About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not fit the mold of their peer group or when your family's lifestyle differs significantly from the status quo. Trevor Huon is a boy used to the nomadic life of his parents, who travel for work in a kombi van. However, when they settle in a small town, Trevor faces the harsh reality of being the perpetual outsider. This story explores the tension between family loyalty and the desperate desire to belong. Ideal for ages 10 to 14, Cannily, Cannily offers a grounded look at social hierarchies, the pressure to conform in sports and school, and the courage it takes to be yourself. It is a quiet, reflective choice for children navigating the transition to middle school or those who feel judged for their family's economic or social choices.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with classism and social exclusion. The approach is direct and secular, focusing on the social reality of being 'different.' The resolution is realistic rather than perfectly happy: Trevor finds personal integrity but the social challenges remain.
